The Ultimate Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana (2024)

This is the only travel guide to exploring Ghana you will ever need.

Ghana is one of those countries that keeps you coming back. I would know, I have been 5 times and 2 of those times were solo. So, if you’re looking to experience unique West African customs, and stunning landscapes with some adventure, Ghana is where you need to be.

Having been to 7 out of 16 regions in Ghana, I strongly recommend stepping out of Accra and truly immersing yourself in the culture. This detailed travel guide will help you do just that.

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Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Everything you need to know

Visiting a foreign country (even if it’s an English-speaking one) requires research beforehand to find out local laws, customs and of course, local words and phrases to know so you are properly informed.

Timezone

Ghana is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Currency

Ghanaian Cedi – GH₵

Language + Words & Phrases in Ghana

Ghana is a multilingual country so up to 80 different languages are spoken. If you’re spending at least a week in Ghana you will come across the three top languages spoken in Ghana; English, Akan (Twi & Fante) and Ghanaian Pidgin. The majority of the population in the larger regions like Greater Accra, will speak English so communication is easy.

Here are a few words and phrases you should know before going:

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Best times to visit

Ghana has become quite a popular destination in the last few years, the most popular time of the year being December for “Detty December” when concerts happen daily and all-night parties and clubbing are the new normal.

However, October – March is peak travel in Ghana so during this time, prices are high and it’s much more crowded, but if your vibe is concerts and parties then Detty December in Ghana is just for you.

If you are a budget traveller, you should go during the shoulder or off-peak seasons, from April to October when things are cheapest, just know this is the rainy/ wet season.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – How long should you stay?

You can spend anywhere from 4 days to months in Ghana, it all depends on your itinerary and budget. I would suggest spending at least 7 days in Ghana if you want to experience Ghana outside of Accra and truly get a feel of the country and its culture.

Laws & Customs in Ghana

Laws in Ghana

• Non-military personnel are not allowed to wear camouflage.

Customs & Ghanaian Culture

• Ghanaians are very polite so proper etiquette like greetings are taken very seriously. When entering a room or meeting someone for the first time, you need to greet them and acknowledge their presence.
• You should only use your right hand when giving or collecting items from anyone, it’s a sign of respect.
• When in the presence of older people, your hands should not be in your pockets.
• Ghanaians are quiet and non-confrontational.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Getting there

Getting to Ghana – by plane

This is the more convenient and shortest option but also the most expensive. So, it’s important to chase the deals and not the dates.

Tickets to Ghana from West African countries like Nigeria start from $250 depending on the time of year you go and the airline you take.

It takes an hour from Lagos to Accra and you can go with Air Peace or Africa World Airlines.

Tip: Always buy your tickets directly from the airline and not a third party website. In case there are any issues with your booking, you can make your complaints directly.

How to travel to Ghana by road

This is the cheaper, but also the less convenient and more time-consuming option. It’s a 17-hour drive from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana and the drive is long if done at a stretch. But, you could stop over in Togo and Benin Republic and turn it into a West Africa road trip.

From Lagos, you can get a car one way from Mile 12 to Ghana for N60,000 ($80) and above or hire a private driver.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Ghana Entry Requirements

If you’re West African, all the documents you need are the same, whether you’re travelling by road or air. You need either an International or an ECOWAS passport, your COVID-19 vaccine certificate and a yellow fever card (the vaccine is valid 10 days after it’s been taken).

Check this page to see if you require a visa to travel to Ghana.

If you need a visa for Ghana, you can apply online beforehand depending on your resident country, or get a visa on arrival at the airport (if you qualify). UK citizens can apply here, US citizens can apply here, if you’re not a national of any of these countries, find a Ghanaian embassy closest to you.

In addition to the above requirements, you must also hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity before you are allowed entry.

COVID regulations in Ghana for vaccinated & non-vaccinated travellers

• All passengers who are fully vaccinated with the WHO-approved vaccines can travel freely with their proof of vaccination.

• Non-vaccinated travellers need to present a negative PCR taken within 48 hours of arrival in Ghana.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Staying connected

Connectivity is one of the most important things to take into account when visiting a foreign country, there are many options from Wi-Fi, roaming your home number, getting a local sim to getting an e-sim. All options are available in Ghana.

Wifi in Ghana

Like every country, your Wi-Fi connectivity and reliability depend on the network providers. That being said, Wi-Fi is best in homes or hotels and some select cafes. If you plan on working remotely, ensure you don’t schedule work for when you are on the road because there is no guarantee the connection will be strong.

Data in Ghana

If you are travelling solo or plan to spend a considerable amount of time out of your hotel/ resort, it’s important to have a Ghanaian number. Ghana is a very “call-centred” country, from Uber/ Bolt drivers to delivery services, everyone calls so having a local number is the best option.

Getting a local sim – while in Ghana, I got an MTN sim. MTN is widely used across Africa and is one of the most reliable but expensive network providers. Other network providers in Ghana are AirtelTigo and Vodaphone. You can walk into any of their stores and register for a SIM card but if you are not Ghanaian, you’ll be required to show your passport.

For 35 cedis ($3), you can get a local sim and 1 GB of data with MTN.

E-sim in Ghana – If you want to go the e-sim route, Airalo is a great option, it’s an e-SIM provider with coverage in multiple countries. You can buy your SIM before arriving in Ghana and activate it when you land and instantly connect. It costs approximately $10 for the e-SIM and 1 GB of data, it’s more expensive than getting the local SIM but it’s more convenient especially if you arrive on a weekend.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Money

The currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi – use this currency converter to see how much your local currency is worth in cedis. Cash is king in Ghana. If you don’t have anything else, have cash, it’s widely accepted and in most places, preferred.

Changing money in Ghana – In April 2023, when I took a solo trip to Ghana, the exchange rate was $1 – 11.5/11.6 GHC. Now, it’s about $1 – 11.9 GHC. The exchange rate changes often so it’s important you do your research before travelling. Yesterday’s rate may not be today’s rate.

It’s fairly easy to change money in Ghana, for my Nigerians, Naira is not publicly traded so change your naira to dollars in Nigeria and take dollars to Ghana. You can exchange money at any Forex Bureau, there are a few around Kotoka International Airport, and you can also check Google Maps for Forex Bureaus near you (that’s how I found one near my Osu Airbnb).

There are also people in the “black market”, they often have the best rates, but this can be risky as the notes may be fake.

P.S.: lower cash denominations like $5, $10, $20 or $50 are worth less than $100 notes, so keep this in mind.

Using Debit Cards in Ghana

Debit cards are not as widely accepted as cash or Mobile Money, but they are just as important to have.

Once you land at Kotoka International Airport, you should withdraw some money from one of the many ATMs around so you have some cedis on hand. Also, keep in mind that the ATMs do charge a small withdrawal fee.

Restaurants accept debit cards, so you can keep your cash for more cash-based activities and use only debit cards when eating out.

Mobile Money in Ghana

Mobile Money or “MoMo” is the second most popular way to carry out transactions in Ghana after cash.

To open a Mobile Money account, you need to have a registered Ghanaian phone number with one of the local network providers. It’s used to carry out electronic money transfers to people’s mobile money accounts.

If you are in Ghana for a short time (less than a month), having cash and a debit card will suffice, but if you are there for more than 1 month, registering for Mobile Money will be best.

How much should you budget for a trip to Ghana?

This depends on two things, 1) Your travel style, and 2) How long you are staying.

You can travel to Ghana on every type of budget, if you are a budget traveller staying in hostels, using public transportation and eating street foods, you can make your money stretch for as long as possible.

I have taken a 5-day trip and an 8-day trip to Ghana, on separate occasions and I would recommend you budget at least $1000 for a one-week stay (inclusive of plane tickets if you’re departing from Nigeria). For any stay over 7 days, budget $1500 and above, especially if you are travelling solo. It’s always better to have more money than you need.

You can learn more about budgeting for Ghana in my cost breakdown for a 5-day Ghana solo trip.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Transportation

Figuring out transportation is usually something you do before visiting a new country and because there are numerous ways to move around within Ghana, it can be overwhelming. So, here is everything you need to know:

Moving around Ghana – Uber & Bolt

Uber & Bolt are the most popular ways to move around within regions (within Accra), they are also the most convenient. It’s important to note that if you want to use any air conditioning in the Uber or Bolt, you need to pay extra due to the high fuel prices. For 10 – 30 minute rides, prices range between 14 ghc ($1.2) to 65 ghc ($5.6).

Moving around Ghana – TroTro

These are public minibuses. You can get on and off them at any point, there are no formal bus stops. TroTro’s are cheap and have no set prices, meaning you pay based on the distance of your destination. This makes them less convenient and sometimes unreliable. 30-minute rides cost about 5ghc ($0.43).

Moving around Ghana – Taxis

Taxis are fairly safe to use but unlike the rideshare options are not metered and the prices are at the discretion of the driver which could lead to you paying double the average cost of a ride. Taxis can be found all over Ghana, and you can easily flag them down on the side of the street. Most people prefer to use Uber or Bolt because they can monitor their rides and share their ride progress with close contacts.

P.S.: if taxi drivers sense that you are a tourist, they could raise their rates, so crosscheck the average price on the ride-share apps so you can negotiate better.

Moving around Ghana – Yango

Yango is a rideshare app in Ghana which is much cheaper than its alternatives so it’s worth trying it out at least once.

Moving around Ghana – Motorcycles

Motorcycles are very common in cities like Accra and Tamale where most people own them as personal vehicles and commercially. In cities like Accra, where the roads are very busy, motorcycles are not the safest, however, they are cheap, you just need to negotiate the price beforehand.

In Tamale, there are fewer vehicles on the road and motorcycles are one of the major forms of transportation so, it’s much safer.

Just assess the driving conditions in the city you are in before hopping on a motorcycle.

Moving around Ghana – Tuk Tuk

These are three-wheeled vehicles and are very common and widely used in Tamale and Cape Coast. They are very efficient and easy to get, just hail one from the side of the street to get their attention.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Travelling between regions

Regions in Ghana are quite far apart so transportation often needs to be planned ahead of time. Here are 3 of the most common ways to take inter-region trips in Ghana:

Private transportation

This is the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. I recommend using private transportation for trips to other regions within driving distance. A private car and driver is great for trips to the Volta, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra and Ashanti Region which are all 2 – 5 hours away from Accra. This option makes moving around easier and with a private driver, you have one less thing to worry about.

Plane

Passion Airlines and Africa World Airlines are the most popular airlines that fly locally within Ghana, they have daily flights to Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale. Prices start from 700ghc for 1-way flights and this is the best option if you’re not a fan of road trips because everywhere is an hour and 10 minutes or less by flight. You can either buy your ticket online or from the local airport.

Intercity STC Buses

If you are not a fan of local flights and don’t want to shell out hundreds of cedis to travel to other regions, you can take the STC Bus. It takes you to different cities in Ghana for a set fare and you can purchase a ticket online or from the bus station. They are a very comfortable, reliable and affordable way to travel around Ghana.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Safety

Ghana is well known to be one of the safest countries in West Africa which is why it’s such a popular travel destination. However, like in any other country, crime is not absent.

Theft in Ghana

Petty theft happens often in Ghana, if you give people the opportunity, they will steal. It’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you, especially when in crowded areas like markets. When walking always keep your bag in front of you, or tightly under your arm, and be conscious of the placement.

Also, if you are in a car or any moving vehicle, never hold your phone outside the window especially in traffic because motorists and passersby are known to grab phones out of windows.

Solo – travel in Ghana

Safety is probably the biggest worry for any solo traveller, especially solo female travellers but I have felt very safe every time I’ve travelled to Ghana. You just need to take the necessary safety precautions to have that extra blanket of protection.

• Share your live location
• Share your ride when using ride-sharing apps
• Always remain alert
• Be aware of your surroundings when in crowded places
• Keep your windows up when in a moving car
• Carry a safety personal alarm

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Where to stay

Ghana has all types of accommodations for every kind of traveller, something to fit every style. Whether you enjoy luxury or are on a budget, there is an option for everyone.

Where to book accommodation in Ghana

When looking for accommodation in Ghana, it might be difficult to look for places outside Accra so I would recommend using Booking.com for short stays and Airbnb for longer stays.

Best areas to stay in Accra

When choosing areas to stay within Accra, search for stays in Cantonments, Labone, Osu, East Legon, West Legon & Airport Residential Areas. They are known to be very secure, quiet, and clean, but also expensive as they are home to wealthy Ghanaians.

Types of Accommodation in Ghana

There is a hotel for every traveller with prices ranging from as low as $20/ night to over $200 a night. I will include 4 options for luxury, budget and mid-range travellers.

Luxury Hotels & Beach Resorts

1. Aqua Safari Resort – If you’re looking for a resort with so many activities that you don’t have to leave, this is it.
2. Hillburi Resort – This is a stunning resort located in the mountains of Aburi in the Easter Region. If you don’t have the budget to stay for a night, you can spend the day here and it’s just as amazing.
3. Zaina Lodge – Safari and luxury all rolled into one. That’s how best I would describe Zaina. It’s smack in the centre of Mole National Park so has the perfect views of the stunning Elephants in their natural environment.
4. Lou Moon Resort – The Western Region has some of the most stunning beaches in Ghana and with Lou Moon, you can experience having this beach in your backyard.

Mid-Range Hotels

1. Mole Motel – If you plan on visiting Mole National Park but don’t have the budget for Zaina Lodge, staying in Mole Motel for as low as $50 a night is the next best option. It’s on the same property as the National Park, so you can see the animals (elephants and antelopes) from your room.
2. Ahanta Eco Lodge – This Eco Lodge is located in Busua in the Western Region along Ghana’s stunning coastline. It’s also a surf camp so with a room going for as low as $35 a night, it’s a fair trade.
3. Jeyads Lodge – Unlike Accra, Tamale doesn’t have a large number of hotels to choose from, so this hotel is one of its best. A standard room which a stay in costs $70 a night and comes with a free breakfast.
4. Urbano Hotel – This hotel has the famous 3D “ I love Accra” sign in front of it. It’s a mix of classic and modern and the cheapest room (standard single room without breakfast) costs $100/ night.

Studio/ services apartments

1. Modern Shipping Container Apartments – this is a shipping container that has been transformed into 4 mini studio apartments. It’s located in a secure compound in Osu, one of the safest neighbourhoods in Accra. Some of the apartments are larger than others and the prices start from $32.
2. Luxury Studio Apartment – for $64 a night you can stay in this set of apartments in Accra located near the US embassy.
3. Hidden Haven Cabins – riverside cabins located in Akosombo, the eastern region, just on the outskirts of Accra for $90 a night. If you’re looking for serenity this place is perfect.
4. Cozy Gardens Studio – You can rent this apartment for $59 a night. It is located in Cantonments, one of the most wealthy parts of Accra.

Hostels & Budget Stays

For my budget travellers or solo travellers, hostels are not only an affordable option but they are a great way to meet other travellers. Ghana has stand-alone hostels and hostels attached to universities that rent out rooms to guests.

1. Accra – Somewhere Nice Hostel in Kokomlemle, Accra. This isn’t one of the wealthier areas, but it’s still felt very safe and is located 15 minutes away from Kotoka International Airport. Rooms here start from $20 a night.
2. Kumasi – TUMI Hostel is also a guest house with double rooms, a dorm room and family rooms. The prices range from $12 a night for a bed in the dorm to $72 per night for the friend & family room.
3. Tamale – Belgha Bar & Hostel is located in Larabange, less than 30 minutes away from Mole National Park in Northern Ghana. Prices start from 150ghc ($13).
4. Ada – Maranatha Beach Camp is in Ada, Greater Accra, 2 and a half hours away from central Accra. If you want to try sleeping in huts on the beach, you can rent a room with prices starting from $8 a night. To book and arrange your boat transfer, just contact them here.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Food

Ghana has a wide assortment of foods and very distinct cuisine. Your trip to Ghana is not complete without a food tour of their most famous dishes like Jollof Rice, Banku & Tilapia and Fufu with Groundnut Soup.

Local dishes to try in Ghana

• Jollof Rice: rice cooked in a spiced tomato sauce which is served with a side of fried plantain and your choice of beef, chicken or fish.
• Beans Stew: beans are cooked in a flavoured tomato sauce (stew) which is why this meal is locally called “red red”. It’s often served with fried plantains or kelewele (spiced fried plantains).
• Banku & Tilapia: Banku is made from ground fermented corn maize which is served in round balls. It looks and has a similar texture to fufu however, they taste quite different.
• Kelewele: this is a famous “snack” or side dish in Ghana. It is fried plantain which has been seasoned to perfection.
• Waakye: it is a mixture of spaghetti, rice and beans and is often topped with eggs or beef with shito (spicy sauce).
• Fufu & Groundnut Soup: Fufu is one of the most popular meals in Ghana. It’s made by pounding boiled cassavas (some people add unripe plantains) into rounded balls using a mortar and eaten with groundnut soup made from peanuts and spices.
• Koko: a morning drink common in the Northern Region, made out of grains like corn or millet.
• Wagashi: Fried cow cheese
• Kebabs: Seasoned sausages cooked over an open flame. This is one of the most delicious street foods in Ghana.

Restaurants in Ghana

• Buka Restaurant: a very nice upscale restaurant in Osu that serves both local and continental foods. Their beans stew is legendary.
• Breakfast to Breakfast: an amazing 24/7 restaurant for breakfast, brunch and very late dinner.
• Treehouse Restaurant and Bar: this place has everything, chill vibes, great service, amazing food and a great DJ. I 100% recommend it.
• Bondai Ghana: If you are in the mood for Mediterranean or Japanese cuisine, this is the spot. It also has a very clean and minimalistic aesthetic.
• Oseikrom Aduanipa: This is a 24/hr hole-in-the-wall cafeteria-style eatery that sells local Ghanaian dishes in Accra.
• Jamestown Coffee Company: This is a great place to get brunch and have a working lunch.
• 233 Jazz Bar & Grill: If you enjoy live music; and live bands, this is the spot. On a night out, you can start your evening here – get some dinner before continuing your night. The food is average, but the music and ambience are very welcoming.
• Hillburi Resort: If you’re in the mood for somewhere outside Accra that’s a little upscale to spend your afternoon, Hillburi is it. You can eat and pay to use the infinity pool. It’s a great place to end your day after exploring the Eastern Region.
• Ozzy’s Beach Palace: This is one place I would go back to repeatedly. It’s a beachfront property with beautiful aesthetics and affordable food.
• Sandbox Beach Resort: Go to Sandbox for its aesthetics only. The food is expensive and isn’t worth the price.
• Osikan Beach Front Restaurant: They serve flavourful Banku and tilapia with Shito here. It’s a beachfront property, with amazing views.

Food Delivery in Ghana

This is the most convenient way of getting meals in Ghana that’s why there are several food delivery apps like Jumia Food, Glovo & Bolt Food. With these, you can order food online and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Just keep in mind that most drivers will call and have you describe your address because they can’t always get directions on their phones. This is another reason why it’s important to have a local number.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – 30+ Things to see and do

Ghana has an ENDLESS number of things to do, from chasing waterfalls, climbing rocks, visiting a shea butter factory and paragliding to getting close to Elephants. Keep reading!

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Greater Accra

The capital city of Accra is located in this region, making it the most populated region in Ghana.

Black Star Square

This is probably THE most popular monument in Ghana, it’s in Accra and serves as a symbol of Ghanaian freedom.

James Town

James Town is the oldest settlement in Accra and a great place to learn the history of Accra during the slave trade. When you arrive, get a guide to show you around to have a richer and more educated experience.

Osu Castle

Osu Castle was built in 1661 and used as a slave castle for most of the 1800s. It’s a stunning structure, and if you’re not able to visit Elmina Castle this is a great alternative.

Accra Arts Centre

If you enjoy collecting souvenirs on your travels, the Accra Arts Centre is a fantastic place. Apart from a great shopping experience, there are local artisans in the shopping centre who teach drumming classes (on the local drums). I bought a mini drum and had it engraved to mark my first solo experience.

When shopping, ensure you negotiate because prices are often increased for tourists.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum

The resting place and museum of Kwame Nkrumah, the president who fought for Ghana’s freedom.

Nima & Osu Night Market

If you’re looking to have a clean and authentic street food experience in Ghana, Nima Market and Osu Night Market are the best places to go.

Spend the night at Maranatha Beach Camp

Just 3 hours away from Accra in Ada, you can experience camping on the beach without sleeping in a tent. Maranatha Beach Camp has two types of accommodations – private rooms and huts. The huts sit right on the beach, I stayed in a cement-floored hut and the experience was very interesting and unforgettable. Although it was extremely peaceful, everyone staying in the huts had to share 3 communal showers and toilets, however, the private rooms also came with private showers.

For 120 cedis ($10) a night, you can stay in the hut and for that amount of money, all you get is a bed and mosquito net.

Legon Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day in nature without leaving the city of Accra, you should visit Legon Botanical Gardens. It’s an outdoor space with various recreational activities for every type of traveller.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the numerous options of things to do; canoeing, a canopy walk, cycling, bird watching, fishing, and a high rope obstacle course will keep you entertained.

Makola Market

You get to know a city from its markets and a visit to Accra’s largest open-air market is no different. The air and atmosphere here are so electric, there is an overflow of goods, food, people and sounds, there’s truly nothing like being in the centre of the action.

If you add Makola Market to your itinerary, go with a local to make navigation easier and for a more pleasant and less hectic experience.

Take a cooking class

I have never taken a cooking class when travelling but I stand by the idea that you can learn a lot about a country’s culture from its dishes and local cuisine. If you want to get familiar with Ghanaian spices and cook a local dish, contact Moove, they organise 4-hour cooking classes for 800ghc ($70).

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Northern Ghana

I spent three days exploring the North of Ghana and within that time I visited 4 regions – the Northern Region, the Upper East & Upper West Region and the Savannah Region. The North of Ghana is very vast so I spent a lot of time travelling from one region to the next but, it was worth it.

The experiences I had, the people I met and the animals I saw were priceless.

Mole National Park

Of all the things to see and do in Ghana, this is my favourite and the sole reason I travelled from Accra to Ghana’s north – to see Elephants in Mole National Park.

This park in Ghana’s Savannah Region is home to Antelopes, Buffaloes, Exotic birds and over 600 African Savannah Elephants. You can either fly to Tamale from Accra and drive 3 hours to Mole or, drive 12+ hours from Accra to Mole (this isn’t advisable).

The entrance fee to Mole is 46ghc ($4) per person and their safaris are fairly affordable. Renting a 4×4 jeep costs 400ghc ($35) for 2 hours – you can split this cost with other travellers in the vehicle and ranger/ guide fees cost 24ghc ($2) an hour for the morning safari and 40ghc ($3.5) hourly for the night safari.

If you are on a tight budget, you can opt to walk instead of renting a jeep.

Mole has several different Safari times you can pick from. They have morning safaris at 7 am and night Safaris from 6 pm which you have to pre-book and they last for a minimum of 2 hours up to 6 hours.

This park is 100% a bucket list activity.

Paga Crocodile Pond

Paga Crocodile Pond in the Upper East Region was founded by a man whose life was saved by crocodiles. Now, Paga Pond has over 300 crocodiles that are part of the community, and eating or killing them is taboo. When they die, the people bury them.

For just 30ghc ($2.6), you can interact with these crocodiles and see how they live in Paga.

Tongo Hills

Tongo Hills is one of the gems in northern Ghana. It’s a stunning landscape with beautiful rock formations, caves, picturesque villages and a rich history. I was taken on a tour here and visited a donkey grave, a hyena cave, a hidden cave where the Tongo people hid during invasions and the chief’s palace.

A lot of the local customs and way of life are still present in Tongo. The cotton from Kepork Trees for example is still used to make mattresses and pillows and its seeds are used to make spices. Tongo Hills is worth a visit.

Shea Butter Factory

Shea trees are abundant in Northern Ghana so you know the Shea Butter made here is different – there are no added chemicals, it’s all-natural.

This factory visit should be high on your itinerary, nothing here has been automated so on the tour, you can watch the manual process of turning a Shea Nut into Shea Butter. I was fortunate enough to visit on the day when the nuts were roasted and separated and the labour that goes into it is incredible. The women are so skilled that there is no waste.

Plus at the end, you get to buy all the Shea Butter you want. I bought the container above for 50 cedis.

Larabanga Mosque & The Mystic Stone

Larabanga Mosque is the oldest mosque in Ghana and one of the oldest in West Africa and it has a fascinating history.

The people of Larabanga use the mystic stone site as a place of worship, hoping to receive miracles, just at the touch of the stone. It’s believed the stone has never been moved and has been there for centuries.

Tamale City Tour

Tamale is quite a vibrant city and although I only used it as my base on this trip, I will most definitely do a tour on my next visit. A tour of Tamale will take you to the leather factory, local market, cultural centre, Shea butter factory and red clay museum. This is a full-day tour to help you get a real feel of the city.

Kitampo Waterfalls

This is one of the highest waterfalls in Ghana and you can find it along the Kumasi-Tamale road.

Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary

This sanctuary has been created to protect and conserve the last remaining hippos in Ghana. There are about 20 hippos in this sanctuary so get ready to watch these stunning creatures in their natural habitats along the Black Volta River.

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Central Region

No trip to Ghana is complete without a visit to the Central Region. Home to Cape Coast & Elmina Castle for a real history lesson on slavery in Ghana and Kakum National Park.

Cape Coast Castle

It’s both a historical landmark and one of 40 forts that served as a trading post during the slave trade in West Africa. Although a painful recount, it needs to be heard.

Kakum National Park

This park is known for its 7 suspension bridges forming a 333-metre-long canopy walkway, another adrenaline-pumping activity.

Elmina Castle

Elmina Castle is A Unesco Heritage Site that was built as a slave trading post during the slave trade in the late 1800’s. It holds a very important history that may be difficult to hear but necessary. A visit here can be grouped with Kakum National Park and can even be explored in a day.

Things to see and do in Ghana – Volta Region

This is my absolute favourite region in Ghana. The Volta Region has no shortage of waterfalls, it has an abundance of them and I am not complaining. Let’s get into them:

Wli (Agumatsa) Waterfalls

Ghana isn’t lacking in the waterfall department. Wli is the highest waterfall in West Africa at 80 metres, but is also 4 hours away from Accra so quite a distance. You have to walk 40 minutes, across 9 bridges to get from the entrance to the lower falls – it’s breathtaking.

Non-Ghanaians pay 60 cedis ($5) and Ghanaians, 25 cedis ($2) to enter.

Wli has an upper falls which is a 3-hour hike in total (1.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down) in addition to the 40-minute walk.

If you’re only visiting the lower falls, set aside about 1.5 – 2 hours to spend at Wli to get the full experience.

Oté Falls

Enjoy two activities in one. Oté has a canopy walkway which you can get to after a descent down 259 steps and to get to the waterfall itself you need to climb down a dodgy path.

Mt Afadjato

This is one of the highest mountains in Ghana, it’s a 4-hour drive away from Accra, not difficult to summit and has some stunning views.

Tagbo Falls

Tagbo Falls is another waterfall, near Mt. Afadjato, the water falls at different levels, the highest being 60m.

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

This is a must-visit location on a first visit to Ghana. The sanctuary is home to 200 Mona monkeys inhabiting the forest surrounding the village of Tafi–Atome.

Things to see and do in Ghana – Eastern Region

The Easter Region is a two-hour drive away from Accra, so it’s the closest and easiest region to explore in a day.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

This reserve has everything from game viewing (antelopes & zebras), 5 different hills to hike, and rock climbing to glamping. Shai Hills is a great day trip from Accra especially if you’re a hiker or love the outdoors.

Non-Ghanaians pay:

• Adults: 40 cedis per hour & 10 cedis for each additional hour
• Students: 30 cedis per hour & 10 cedis for each additional hour
• Children: 12 cedis per hour & 5 cedis for each additional hour

Shai Hills is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm so, plan to spend about 2-3 hours there.

Boat cruise on Lake Volta

Spend a day relaxing at The Royal Senchi Hotel and have them arrange a cruise for you on Lake Volta. The boat cruise is so calming and serene.

Asenema Falls

Just 2 hours away from Accra in Akuapem Hills in the stunning Asenema Falls. For 10 GHC ($86). It’s a short 5-10 minute walk from the entrance to the falls and it’s unmissable on any trip to Ghana.

Boti Falls

It’s a twin waterfall and these twin falls, which come from two rivers, are referred to as female and male; according to local myth, a rainbow is formed when they merge. It costs between 20 and 50ghc ($1.7 and $4) to get in and the price is inclusive of guide fees. You have to walk down 250 steps to get to the falls and to get as close as possible to the water, canoe rides are available for a small fee.

Paraglide in Kwahu

Every April, there is a paragliding festival on Odweanoma Mountain in Kwahu, it’s regarded as the best take-off point. You can enjoy this activity from 550ghc ($48).

Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm

Visiting this farm provides a unique opportunity to learn about cocoa and chocolate production in Ghana.

Aburi Botanical Gardens

This Instagrammable location is known for its extensive rows of beautiful palm trees.

Abseiling

If you’re up for an adventure, abseiling off the 100ft Vulcan rock should be on your itinerary. The adrenaline you feel while reclining down the side of the rock is a feeling you won’t forget.

Things to see and do in Ghana – Best Beaches

Ghana has a stunning coastline and for most of the beaches, you need to step out of Accra to experience them. Here are the top 5 best beaches in Ghana:

1. Laboma Beach, Accra
2. Kokrobite Beach, Greater Accra
3. Ada Foah Beach, Greater Accra
4. Busua Beach, Western Ghana
5. Anomabo Beach, Central Region

There are many things to see and do in Ghana and although I have explored the country solo (twice) there is still much more to uncover. 

Travel Guide to Exploring Ghana – Nightlife

Nightlife in Ghana is what “Detty December” is built on. The never-ending parties, clubbing till the AM and bar hopping. Ghana has one of the best nightlife in West Africa which is why thousands of people flock here every December.

Even if you’re not a nightlife person, I recommend trying it at least once, it’s a complete vibe and there’s nothing like a Friday night out in Ghana. Of course, during the week you can go to lounges and bars, but Friday and Saturday nights are the best.

It’s a little difficult finding clubs with great vibes outside Accra so, I’ve listed 5 bars and clubs you should visit in Ghana.

1. Bloom Bar – Osu, Accra
2. Garage Bar – East Legon, Accra
3. Firefly Lounge – Osu, Accra
4. Republic Grill & Bar – Osu, Accra
5. Alley Bar – Osu, Accra

Ghana is one of my favourite countries, it’s the first place I travelled to solo so will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope this guide excites you about a trip to Ghana and helps you plan the perfect itinerary.

To get a list of vetted travel and tour guides and drivers, buy “The Ultimate Ghana Travel Guide“.